Learn about Colporrhaphy (Vaginal wall repair surgery)

Do you sometimes feel like something is coming down from your vagina, like a heaviness or pressure? Or do you feel uncomfortable when you sit, like you're sitting on a small ball? You may be the only one suffering from these things. This condition can happen to many women. So today we're talking about a surgery that can be a solution to this.

Simply put, what is Colporrhaphy?

Colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure to correct weaknesses in the walls of your vagina. It is often done as a treatment for a condition called pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Imagine, if a wall in our house becomes weak, it will bend inward, like trying to push things out. The organs inside your pelvis, such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum, are held in place by the walls of your vagina and the muscles around them. Over time, especially after childbirth and as you age, these muscles and tissues weaken. Then those organs start to come down, or push into the vagina. That's what we call `(Pelvic Organ Prolapse - POP)`.

Colporrhaphy surgery works by strengthening the weakened muscles and tissues and restoring the lowered organ to its original position.

There are two main types of colporrhaphy surgery:

Depending on your problem, your doctor may decide to do one of these two types, or perhaps both together.

Is this a major surgery? Who needs this?

Yes, colporrhaphy is a major surgery . But it is much simpler and has a shorter recovery time than abdominal surgeries, because it is done entirely through the vagina.

Typically, you will be considered suitable for this surgery if:

• If other treatments don't work: Before considering surgery, your doctor may recommend other simple treatments. For example, pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels), devices like pessaries, or hormone therapy. If these don't help your symptoms, surgery may be the next step.
• If the symptoms are interfering with your life: Some people don't feel much discomfort even with this ``(POP)`` condition. But if you often have difficulty controlling your urine or stool, if you have pain during sex, if these things are making your daily life uncomfortable, surgery can eliminate these discomforts.
• If you are not planning to have more children: This is a very important point. If you have another baby after a colporrhaphy, the repaired muscles will weaken again, increasing the risk of the problem recurring. Therefore, it is best to have this surgery if you think your family is complete.

What happens before and during the surgery?

After you agree to the surgery, the doctor will explain all the pros, cons, and risks to you.

Before surgery

Your doctor will do these things:

• Talk carefully about your complete medical history and symptoms.
• A bimanual pelvic exam is performed to determine exactly where the weakness is and which organs are lowered.
• Sometimes, if necessary, they may order something like an MRI scan to check the condition of the muscles, but that is not always necessary.
• Antibiotics are given on the day of surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
• If you are postmenopausal, you may be asked to use a cream containing the hormone ``(estrogen)'' to thicken the vaginal tissue and make the surgery easier.

During surgery

This surgery usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area to be repaired.

1. Anesthesia: Anesthesia is given so that you don't feel any pain. It can be either ``general anesthesia``, which puts you completely to sleep, or ``regional anesthesia``, which numbs only the lower back.

2. Preparation: Your legs will be placed on special supports to make you more comfortable for the surgery. A catheter will be inserted to drain your urine.

3. Surgery: The doctor makes a small incision through the vagina and goes to the area where the weakened muscles and tissues are. Then, the stronger tissues are joined together and the area is strengthened with dissolvable stitches . Finally, the incision is closed.

What can you expect after surgery?

Depending on the nature of the surgery, you may have to go home the same day or stay in the hospital overnight.

Things to expect after surgery:

• A small pack can be placed inside the vagina to absorb the bleeding for the first 24 hours.
• The catheter is removed within one or two days.
• Stool softeners are given to prevent pressure on the stitches and to make stool easier to pass.
• You may experience light spotting or a creamy discharge from your vagina for a few weeks. This is normal as the stitches inside dissolve.
• There may be some pain in the vaginal area, which will gradually subside within 4-6 weeks.

Recovery time and things to be aware of

It can take up to 3 months to fully recover. During this time, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

Things that must be followed:

• For 6-8 weeks: Avoid heavy lifting (more than 2-3 kg), strenuous exercise, sexual intercourse, use of tampons, douching, and bathing in the bathtub. Take a shower.
• For 6 weeks: Avoid straining during bowel movements. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• After 3-4 weeks: You can start doing normal activities like walking and driving. If your job is not physically demanding, you may be able to go to work. Discuss this with your doctor.

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

The main advantage is that you will be free from the discomfort you experience due to the `(POP)` condition. Also, this can be done in a simple way, without having to undergo a major surgery that involves cutting the abdomen. After the surgery, you can also have a normal sex life.

As with all surgeries, there are some risks, but they are very rare.

• Excessive bleeding.
• Reactions to anesthesia.
• Wound infection.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Constipation.
• Pain during sex.

Your doctor will explain all of this to you thoroughly. Ask him or her about any questions or concerns you may have.

Colporrhaphy, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, POP, cystocele, rectocele, gynecological surgery, vaginal prolapse, women's health, uterine prolapse, pelvic organ prolapse